The government have announced they are looking at ways to support private renters as the cost-of-living crisis worsens, but will this help be extended to students?
The founder of a new student housing support service has called on the government to clarify whether or not students will be included in any plans. Michael Gove, the cabinet minister with responsibility for housing, suggested support might be on the way for renters unable to afford rents, which have risen 16% this year.
The Scottish parliament last month passed emergency legislation designed to protect tenants hit by the cost of living crisis that freezes rents until at least the end of March 2023. The UK government are now facing calls to implement similar measures, with Mr Gove asked if renters can expect the government to help with their rent as landlords and letting agents continue to hike prices.
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Figures from Rightmove showing an average annual increase of 16.1% in rent, with the average monthly rent hitting £1162 outside of London. For students, who pay an average of £148 a week, that means an annual increase of £1239.
Speaking on the BBC Michael Gove said: "We know people in the private rented sector and in the social rented sector are facing tough times. We are looking at a range of options to help them. It could mean targeted support for all sorts of people who are in difficulty.
“Rent is going to be one of the challenges people will face… There are different ways of supporting people, whether that’s through universal credit, the tax system, or direct support."
Analysis by student renting support service Very Wise Student has indicated that students already spend 76% of their income on renting – even though almost two-thirds of them end up with complaints about the quality of their accommodation.
Very Wise Student founder Ajay Jagota responded to the reports: “The impact of the cost of living crisis on students all-too-often goes under the radar, but they are in exactly the same position as other private renters, facing rising rents with restricted budgets which are already having to stretch further and further with every passing day.
“If the government is going to offer support to renters, that support has to come in a way which applies to those in student accommodation – and if that support comes through universal credit or the tax system it must be mindful that students may not benefit from it.
“At Very Wise Student we’re seeing a steep spike in demand for our services – and that will come as no surprise to people who have seen pictures like the ones on national news of students in Durham queuing up overnight to try and find homes. A shortage of student accommodation is likely to force students into the arms of unscrupulous and uncaring landlords and letting agents peddling unsafe and unsanitary homes.
“Very Wise Student helps all student renters get access to legal justice. Whatever the issue is with their rented student housing we will take up the issue directly with their landlord or agent – and if all this extra pressure is really getting on top of them, we can help with emotional support too.”
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